Bozeman (Images of America: Montana)

Surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, Bozeman is an impressive city with a remarkable past. The land that would become Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley was cherished by Native Americans for its fertile soil, plentiful water, and bountiful hunting grounds. During the 1800s, pioneers traveling on the Bozeman Trail hailed the lush valley as a welcome oasis. While gold lured many to the region, it wasthe abundant natural resources and the beauty of the landscape that persuaded them to settle here. Although miners once flooded the area in search of riches, many found their fortunes in the black gold of coal, in agriculture, or in local businesses. Bozeman owes its existence to the dogged determination of the first settlers, and it managed to retain that hardy pioneer spirit even as it evolved into a modern town. Present-day Main Street and downtown still showcase the historic architecture of early Bozeman and preserve its unique legacy.